“Aria!.”Her voice cut through my thoughts like a blade.
I blinked as the sharp image in my head of checks, insults and defiance shattered instantly. The café came back into focus with it's quiet clink of cutlery and the low hum of conversation. Mrs. Harrington sitting across from me, as her eyes fixed on my face with clear impatience.
“Yes,” I said, straightening slightly. “I’m listening.”
She studied me for a second longer, as if confirming I was fully there this time. Then she leaned back, folding her hands together with deliberate composure.
“I didn’t invite you here to trade imaginations or play power games,” she said coolly. “I invited you because there are matters you should already be aware of.”
“The engagement ceremony,” she continued, watching my reaction closely. “You should
